BONDED FOREVER.
21. ARE YOU SURE?
BONUS chapter sponsored by Bongiwe Seleka
SHAMISO
It’s been a month since I started with my new job and it’s been nothing short of amazing. The new environment has been so good to me, so much that it didn’t take long for me to fit right in like I’ve been one of them for the longest time.
I got a call confirming that I had gotten the position just hours after my interview that morning and only then did I truly celebrate. As much as both Andziso and Bk, or Bakang now that he’s my superior had assured me that it’s just a formality. It felt good hearing them say I got the job.
I waited until I signed on the dotted line to tell Simon that I was leaving. It was just another thing about me being sure that the new job was secured before opening my mouth. He wasn’t pleased, to say the least and for the first time in the longest time, I saw the old version of Simon. The one that existed before I turned him down and he even asked if there was nothing he could do to convince me to stay. The truth is, even if he hadn’t been unbearable, I would have still left. This job offers a better pay and the work schedule is a nice one. I now have my weekends off, which means I get to see Sarai more often and I’ve been doing just that.
I’ve been going over to her father’s house and on one occasion, we went out to Menlyn mall and just had a girl’s day out that was sponsored by Andziso in his absence. I haven’t suggested her sleeping over at my place yet but I’m going to suggest it soon. I yearn to sleep under the same roof as her and even if he says she will bring security I don’t mind. I know the insecurity stemming from my disappearance is still there, even though he hadn’t mentioned it but I can’t keep ignoring the fact that I want to have Sarai sleep over at my place sometimes.
Things have been running smooth in my life. I’m starting to relax a little bit and I’m starting to believe that life might not be so bad after all. I have a relationship with my daughter and a new job, something I wouldn’t have gotten had I stayed in Zimbabwe. I can say that the risk was completely worth it.
I’ve also settled in nicely here. I haven’t encountered problems so far and everybody just seems to mind their own business. I came here thinking I was going to be joining another lady at the front desk but on the day that I showed up for my interview there was both a guy and a lady, the lady is the one that I have replaced and now I work with the guy, Theo.
My experience with Simon had me feeling uneasy, I would hate to drag in the same problems that made my work at the restaurant unbearable but Theo is proving to be a better human being. He hasn’t shown signs of hitting on me since and he’s been cool, if I may put it like that.
He treats me with respects and makes it easy for me to talk to me. I have caught some eyes staring but never from him, which makes me relax and he was all too happy to be getting a new partner because apparently the lady that left was not an easy person to work with. I won’t dwell on that as I’ve only heard his side of the story.
In here, we have our own little break room where they put in a couch, two chairs and table, a bar fridge and a coffee machine. It’s all too fancy, Theo says the company thrives in making sure it’s staff is happy and comfortable enough to be productive and be willing to go the extra mile. Together we have gotten into a nice working routine.
It’s a Wednesday and soon it will be time to head out. I’m in a bit of a rush because I’m going to Sarai’s school to watch her perform at a school concert. I’m very excited about that, this is a first of many concerts that I wish to attend.
With nothing much going on, Theo and I are relaxed on our sits and he’s showing me some funny videos on TikTok, the commentary is what gets both of us to laugh. This goes on U til someone clears their throat, demanding our attention. We both look up at the same time amd it’s Andziso who’s staring at us with an unreadable facial expression.
“Hey, you’re here already?” I check the time to make sure that I’m not the one slacking.
“Yeah, I thought I’d see Bakang before we head out. Are you good?”
“I’m good, you?”
His eyes dart from me to Theo then back to me “I’m good. He’s already expecting me so I’ll head in.”
“Okay.” I nod and he walks away from us.
“Mr. Rhangani is your boyfriend?” Theo asks, another thing about him is that he’s blunt and struggles to beat around the bush. I also don’t wonder where he knows him from, clearly he has seen him around coming to see Bakang.
“No, we just have a child together.”
“You’re not together anymore?”
“Yeap.”
“Are you sure?
I turn to look at him” What do you mean? “
” I mean, it doesn’t look like you’re no longer together. “
” In just three or less minutes you were able to reach this conclusion? “
” It didn’t take much, really. I just had to check the way he was looking at you and the way he pretended that I’m invincible. I believe it’s because he found us laughing together.”
” Don’t be silly, Andziso isn’t like that, he’s a nice guy. “
” I’m not disputing that, I’m just mentioning that the man doesn’t like it when other men laugh with the mother of his child. “he chuckles and I brush him off. I refuse to let myself believe that Andziso still harbors some feelings for me, I will not set myself up for disappointment like that.
Moments later, one of the employees comes down to get his package that was delivered earlier today “Ms. Shamiso, I believe you have something that belongs to me.” he says with a cheesy smile, he’s one of those that have been intrigued by a new face in their workplace and he’s always trying to strike a conversation.
“Yes I do, just give me a moment.” I get up and head to our break room to retrieve his package then I walk out with it “There you go, sir.”
“No sir here, just Njabulo.”
“Okay, Njabulo.”
“Thank you, my lady.” he bows his head a little “How’s your day going?”
“It’s going good, yours?”
“Now that I’ve made a turn by reception it’s even better.” he’s still smiling widely and Theo chuckles, by now his used to his playful antics but I’m still a bit guarded. “What are you doing this Friday? Me and some colleagues have a thing and it would be nice if you could join us and maybe get to know more of your colleagues.”
“I’m not sure about my plans yet but I’ll let you know.” I lie, I will just come back and say I’m busy.
“You have a movie night with our daughter this Friday evening.” Andziso says and it’s the second time he just catches me off guard.
“Oh..” I mumble.
He stops next to Njabulo and Bakang remains at the back, looking amused.
“Yes, she’s going to ask you this evening. I think it’s time to go now, are you ready?” again, he ignores everyone else around me.
“Just give me a minute, I’ll be ready. Maybe I’ll find you outside?”
“I’m good here.” he insists and I just nod.
Theo has the same expression that Bakang has on and Njabulo just walks away after saying “Next time.”
Andziso and I head out he doesn’t waste time hitting the road. “How was your day?” he looks more friendly now.
“It was good, I’ve been counting down the hours to her concert time. I think I might be more excited than she is.” I tell him and he laughs a little.
“You could never out do her when it comes to being excited but I understand.”
“Is it an annual thing?”
“This one, yes but she’s also part of the revue and they have a few performances coming up. I’ll email you their schedule.”
“She must really loves dancing.”
“A lot. Anything that had to do with dancing and pictures, count her in. I think that’s another thing that she took from you, you’re quite the dancer too.” be glances at me and I shy away.
“Don’t mock me.”
“I’m not, I remember how you used to love dancing when it was just the two of us. You could rock to any beat without trying hard.”
“And I could never dance in public, our little girl on the other hand.”
“She’s one confident child. Now I’m starting to wonder, she took your face and your love for dancing. What exactly did she get from me?”
“Your gentleness and kind heart.”
“That could be true but you’re like that too.”
“You raised her to be a respectful child, your traits are showing, believe me.”
“She got my brains too, that girl aces Mathematics.”
“Yeah, that’s definitely you. Hopefully she’s just as focused as you were back in school, you were one with your books.”
“I thought that would make up my lack of socialising skills, maybe the girls would look at me when they saw just how smart I was.” he says jokingly and I remember how shy he also was.
“You think that worked?”
“It worked with you.” he quietly says at a time when when have to stop because the traffic light is red. We both look at each other and say nothing and the tension that quickly fills the car can’t be ignored, it doesn’t help that neither of us is bothering to look away until it’s time to go again.
“Are you happy though? With your work place?” he changes the topic.
“Yes, everyone has been welcoming.”
“I can imagine.” he mumbles.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing, I’m just glad you’re settled now.”
We continue talking and our conversation always circles back to Sarai, it feels like we are tiptoeing around each other but I refuse to think much of it.
When we arrive at her school, Andziso provides two tickets at the hall entrance and then we are shown to where are seats are, luckily, he got the second row tickets so we will be up close. We get comfortable and the hall quickly gets packed before the lights are deemed and they open with a performance from the little one. When they descend the stage, the head master comes up to say a few words and welcome everyone and then the concert officially starts.
There’s are three groups that perform before Sarai’s group comes up. My little girl stands at the front with her head held high and bright smile. Excitement is written all over her face and when she turns towards where we are sitting I raise my hand a little for her. She gasps and excitedly waves back just before they start.
I put all my attention on her and find myself tapping my foot to the beat of their song while my baby girl doesn’t miss a beat. When they are done they curtsey and run off the stage, my heart is full. I turn and find Andziso looking at me, I won’t even hide my excitement and he matches my smile. He points at the guy taking a video.” If they will sell it I’ll get it for us so we can watch over and over again.” he says to me.
“I’d love that.”
We go through the rest of the concert and when that’s done he leads me to her class so we can collect her. She runs to us as soon as she sees us “DID you see me, mommy?”
“Hello to you too.” her father says and she giggles.
“Hello daddy.”
“Did you have fun?” I ask.
“A lot! I want to do it again.” she says with so much energy. Her eyes wander around the classroom until they stop at one end and she waves at a group of girls “Those are my friends, do you want to meet them?”
“I’d love to meet them.” I Saya dnthats how I end up being introduced to the other kids. Sarai is happy to show her mom to everyone and I’m just glad to put a smile on her face.
Andziso gets her bag, uniform and school shoes then we head to his car and he first makes sure that she’s buckled up at the back before he gets in the car.
“What’s for dinner?” he asks her.
“Can we get pizza?” she asks.
“Pizza it is. Are you good with that?” he asks me.
“Yeah, I’m good with anything.”
“Will we eat it when we get home?”
“No. We’ll eat at the restaurant then we’ll drop mommy off before heading home.” Andziso answers her.
“Okay.” she says sounding a little disappointed. We both know what she’s thinking so we don’t push it. Instead I just ask more about her concert and that distracts her from what was making her sad in the first place. A few minutes later it goes quiet and we realise that she’s fallen asleep.
“I expected that.”
“You could just drop me off and go home.” I suggest.
“No, we’re getting pizza to go then I’ll drop you off. Things will not go well if she wakes up and finds that her pizza isn’t there.”
“I can imagine.” I yawn.
“No, don’t even think about it. You’re not going to follow our daughter’s tendencies. Me and you stay awake.” he comically demands.
“I’m up, baby daddy.” I lazily smile, I’m tired.
“And you better stay up, baby mama.”